I love the anticipation of warm weather trips. Whether it's February in the frozen NorthEast and I'm heading to a tropical paradise, or whether it's summer and I'm heading to my local beach destination for a weekend of relaxation and Zen, there is such a spirit of carefree anticipation.
I find summer and warm weather packing to be a sweet relief. Farewell bulky sweaters, thick socks, boots, and heavy jeans, hello, lightweight sundresses, sarongs, sandals, floppy hats and bathing suits.
Unfortunately the same ease can't always be applied to packing toiletries. In the summer and beneath the sun, our skin and hair have so many more needs. There's the need for sun protection, after sun protection, bug protection, and these needs can take up a lot of space in your suitcase or bag.
But it doesn't have to be this way! I find many warm weather items and toiletries can serve a multi- purpose.
Here are my easy to pack bath and beauty essentials for your next warm weather trip!
1) Dr. Bronner's Peppermint Castile Liquid Soap
Cooling, and light, this liquid soap tingles the skin and soothes after a day beneath the hot sun. This was my savior, when I went to Zanzibar during the peak of the summer heat. Each cooling shower (and I took about three a day) provided the perfect dose of cooling relief.
Dr. Bronner's Peppermint soap is great because it can be used in many different ways. You can use the soap as a shampoo and as toothpaste. I also used this soap to wash out my swim suits after each brush with salty/sandy ocean water or chlorinated pool water.
2) Sojourn Herbal Apothecary's Whipped Herbal Mosquito Repellent
Formerly known as Touch of Ohm, Sojourn Herbal Apothecary's Whipped Herbal Mosquito Repellent is a wonderful, organic, alternative to chemical bug sprays. The whipped shea based cream goes on smooth and absorbs into your skin without leaving a greasy residue. It smells like a bouquet of lavender and is gentle enough to use on children and babies. Most importantly- NO BUG BITES!
I love this super dark, lash lengthening mascara for so many reasons. It's light weight, doesn't clump, doesn't run down my face in tracks if I begin to sweat or pool around my lower lid creating the effect of a fresh shiner. In the summer, when your skin is already glowing and lovely, it's nice to take a break from a full make-up routine to focus on one or two key assets. I always begin with the eyes as they are the first thing people see.
Adding to the theme of eye enhancement, you can't go wrong with this golden olive shimmer eyeliner. It's a great summer shade and looks good on every skin tone.
I love this lemon scented ultra moisturizing lip tint. Not only do my lips look like I've just eaten a pint of berries, sugar berry lip tint can double as a rouge or blush. A swipe on each cheekbone with a quick blend of your finger, will leave a splash of sparkly color. Suddenly, without much fuss, you're ready for a night out!
6) Kiss My Face Continuous Coverage Spray Sunscreen with Anti-Oxidant Defenders
Paraben-Free, Aluminum-Free, Sulfate-Free, and chock full of anti-oxidants I use this sunscreen on both my face and body. The formula is light weight and most importantly sprays on clear (for those of you with darker skin- no chalky blue residue!). This sunscreen has a pleasant coconut scent and is not greasy or sticky.
7) Sojourn Herbal Apothecary Provence Whipped Body Butter
This light, not at all greasy whipped shea butter is the perfect skin moisturizer for a warm day. I'm deeply in love with the calming lavender scent and love the fact that this product can double as a leave in conditioner for thicker curly/wavy hair.
Have you tried any of these products? What are your warm weather favorites?